Cross In Hand Village News

The New A272-A267 ROAD SAFETY GROUP DEER AWARE

DEER ACCIDENTS - WHO TO CONTACT

Every week, there are reports on who to contact if you see an injured deer on the highway or a deer entangled or injured on private land.

The process in place is straightforward, and there are only two options that save time, suffering and stress to both the animal and humans.

As the A272 and A267 are high on the list of roads with deer incidents, we thought it would be timely to remind you of who to contact when reporting a deer incident.

INJURED OR DECEASED DEER ON THE HIGHWAY

There is only one option: DIAL 999, ASK FOR THE POLICE.

Have ready the location details and the road number ready, and if possible, the exact location, for example, A272 Southbound 100 yards from the Buxted Hotel entrance. Or use What3Words if you can.

The 999 POLICE method is quick, will save time, suffering and stress. Social media is great, but as time is the speed of the essence, dialling 999 is very quick. They have the contact information at hand about all the local deer wardens available and where they operate.

There are 25 deer wardens on ESCC Highways' register, each covering a 15-20 mile radius. The A272 is in the Top 5 areas.

FOR DEER INJURED OR TANGLED IN NETTING OR FENCING ON PRIVATE LAND

The only real option for the above is to phone the local animal rescue operation. In East Sussex, it is WRAS (Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service) that has a 24-hour rescue line: 0300 102 699 or the Rescue Centre (which is not 24 hours:) 01825 873005

To save time, use the above numbers.

A reminder to ramblers, cross-country runners, and walkers: please report if you see unused netting, rope or other obstacles such as badly damaged fencing that can cause deer to be caught up. For our group members, this can be done on our FB page

EAST SUSSEX WRAS is a wonderful organisation and charity. Visit their website for more deer information and how they deal with deer caught up in fencing, netting and brambles. They have a team of fully trained staff who are experienced and have a wide range of tools to free deer from obstructions. On occasions, they have to call in the deer warden if the animal is severely injured.

The New A272-A267 Road Safety Group and the Sussex Express are always giving updates on WRAS’s activities and animal rescue. If possible, please keep a copy of this message in the glove compartment of your vehicle or a copy on your mobile phone - in Contacts.

DARK SKIES

The Parishes of the High Weald are coming together to make a Joint Application to become a Dark Skies Area or Community. Being a larger town than most in the area, Heathfield has more artificial light than the villages. However, that does not mean the town cannot be included.  David Field from Nature Recovery Network is leading the Application and is presenting a free talk at The Community Centre, Sheepsetting Lane on Monday 9th November at 7 pm. Refreshments will be available. It has been organised by the Parish Council & several councillors will be in attendance. If you are interested in the Night Sky and the species which depend on it, please come along.

ANY LEFT-OVER PUMPKINS - BURWASH COMMUNITY MARKET IN CONJUNCTION WITH COOPERS FARM

A special request from us this month.  If you have pumpkins left over from Halloween, please bring them along to the market on Saturday 7th November! Coopers Farm would love to take them home for their piglets to enjoy. Old/squishy pumpkins are fine, but please make sure there are no candles or wax included. Our piggies love pumpkins. Bring them to us and feed the pigs. Or we can collect in the local area. Coopers Farm, Five Chimneys Lane, Hadlow Down TN22 4DX

EAST SUSSEX ANIMAL RESCUE - WRAS

After being found stuck in a garden, unable to fly out, a beautiful heron was in a bit of difficulty but was swiftly caught and brought into care. On assessment, he was suspected of having a fracture to the wing, and  x-rays later confirmed a fractured ulna. Luckily, this was still in line and had a positive prognosis. A bandage was placed to reduce movement and stabilise the fracture, allowing it to heal. Fast forward 2 weeks: fracture stable, bandage removed, and we are already stretching our wings and up and on the perches. Next step... release!

ORANGE TOOLBOX

Spaces available at The Orange ToolBox this term! We have spaces available across our weekday sessions for home-educated children, as well as some rare spaces in both our Tuesday and Thursday after-school Clubs. Our sessions give children the opportunity to learn new practical skills, take on hands-on projects and discover new interests. Based in Blackboys near Cross in Hand. Spaces available throughout the week. Find out more and book online: https://bookwhen.com/theorangetoolbox